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  1. Schools
  2. FAQs

Schools

Risk Assessments & Safeguarding

What about risk assessments and safeguarding?

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A sample risk assessment will be sent to you with your booking confirmation. To complete your own risk assessment, please contact the education team to arrange a convenient date.

The Royal Gunpowder Mills has a dedicated First Aid room and all of the teaching team are trained in first aid.

A copy of our safeguarding policy is available upon request.

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 16th January, 2020

Author: Jordan Wilks

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Cancellations

What if I need to cancel my booking?

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Should you need to cancel your booking, please do so within 14 working days of your visit - should you cancel within 10 working days of your visit you will be charged the full amount (although if we are able to replace your booking with another school's visit we may be able to waiver the charge).

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 2nd May, 2018

Author: Jordan Wilks

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Teacher Expectations

What will our school teachers and adult helpers be expected to do during our visit?

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Teachers and adult helpers are expected to stay with their group and experience the sessions alongside their pupils.

The teaching team here will assume responsibility for the session and we hope that the school staff will use the opportunity to evaluate and observe the children's progress.

The school teachers will of course be responsible for pupils in their group at all times. Our education staff are there to lead activities and to make the day run smoothly. Teachers will be given an evaluation at the start of the day to fill out accordingly. 

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 13th November, 2018

Author: Jordan Wilks

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Equipment

Do we need to bring anything with us?

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In short, the answer is "no" - clipboards, pens/pencils etc. are not needed.

However, all attendees will need to bring their lunch and drinks with them and you need to ensure in colder weather that all attendees dress appropriately (although each teaching base has heating, our buildings are very old!)

Although we have an on-site first aid room, you may wish to bring your own kit with you.

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 2nd May, 2018

Author: Jordan Wilks

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Programme Availability

Are all of the programmes available year round?

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The following programmes are available from January through to the end of the first half of the Autumn term:

  • Viking Life and Lore
  • WWII on the Homefront
  • Victorian Life
  • Explorer Programme 

The following programmes are only available during the following set times:

  • Gunpowder, Treason & Plot: 3rd November - 19th November 2020
  • Victorian Christmas: 24th November - 11th December 2020

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 16th January, 2020

Author: Jordan Wilks

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Goody Bags

How do I order goody bags?

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We offer set-price goody bags (£3) which must be ordered and paid for in advance. These consist of a pencil, pen, eraser and fridge magnet.

Please call or email the education team to order these.

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 2nd May, 2018

Author: Jordan Wilks

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Shop & Cafe

Will the shop or cafe be open during our visit?

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No - Our cafe & shop are only open during our open season. However - you can order goody bags which (once ordered and paid for in advance), will be ready for you to take with you at the end of your visit. We advise that teaching staff bring their own drinks with them. 

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 13th November, 2018

Author: Jordan Wilks

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Directions

How do we get to the Royal Gunpowder Mills?

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We are situated in Beaulieu Drive in Waltham Abbey (opposite the McDonalds) - within easy access of the M25 and the M11.

We have ample free parking for cars and coaches.

Our Address:

Royal Gunpowder Mills,
Beaulieu Drive,
Waltham Abbey,
Essex, EN9 1JY
United Kingdom

See our directions page for a map. 

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 16th January, 2020

Author: Jordan Wilks

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First Aid

Is their first aid on site?

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There are first aid facilities on site. Teaching Staff must be responsible for the first aid of their children however additional first aid support is available where needed. 

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 13th November, 2018

Author: Jordan Wilks

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Lunch

Where can we have lunch?

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Please make sure all attendees bring their lunch and drinks with them as our cafe is not open during school visiting hours.

Indoor and outdoor (weather permitting) lunch facilities will be available.

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 2nd May, 2018

Author: Jordan Wilks

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Parking

Where can we park?

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Coaches can park on-site (unless otherwise instructed) and can remain there for the duration of your stay, free of charge.

For coaches parking on-site: go to the black automatic gates (to the right at the end of Beaulieu Drive) and use the intercom to be allowed on site. You will be directed to a suitable parking space upon arrival.

Occasionally, coaches may be instructed to park in the main car park - accessed through the gates at the top of Beaulieu Drive. However, you will be advised if this is needed.

If pupils are being dropped off via parental cars, they can park in the main car park and you will be met by our teaching team and taken on site from there.

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 13th November, 2018

Author: Jordan Wilks

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Accessibility

Is the site fully accessible?

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Yes, all of the bases used during the programmes are fully accessible - detailed instructions will be given to you on the day.

We have two disabled toilets onsite.

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 2nd May, 2018

Author: Jordan Wilks

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Pre-visit

Can I visit before I bring my group?

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If you have not visited us before, you may wish to come for a free pre-visit in order to familiarise yourself with the site and to complete any additional risk assessment paperwork you may need - and to discuss your selected programme.

Please call or email to arrange a convenient time with the Education team - unfortunately, we are not able to allow teachers to come without an appointment.

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 2nd May, 2018

Author: Jordan Wilks

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Timings Of The Day

What time does the day begin and end?

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The day starts at 10am when you will be greeted by our teaching team and given a brief health and safety talk.

Each class will then be taken to your first 'base' where your first activity/teaching session will begin.

At the end of each session, you will be taken (or given instructions) to you next teaching base.

You will be shown where your group will have lunch, which normally takes place after the second session.

The teaching staff aim to get you back to your coaches for a 2.30pm departure.

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 2nd May, 2018

Author: Jordan Wilks

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Adult Places

Do you offer free adult places?

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Yes, we offer 4 free adult places per class.

In addition, students who require 1-2-1 support may bring their support workers for free as well.

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 2nd May, 2018

Author: Jordan Wilks

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Group Size

What size groups do you cater for?

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For the majority of our programmes, you can being 20 to 128 pupils (1 class to 4 classes)

However, the 'Freshwater' option in the 'Explorer' programme has a maximum capacity of 2 classes and the 'Gunpowder, Treason and Plot' programme allows 5 classes.

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 2nd May, 2018

Author: Jordan Wilks

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Costs

How much will it cost to bring my students?

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  • Cost per class up to 20: £155
  • Cost per class up to 26: £202
  • Cost per class up to 32: £248

For prices for larger group sizes, please contact the education team.

4 free adults per class (£7.75 for additional adults)

Please note: No VAT is charged on our school visits 

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 2nd May, 2018

Author: Jordan Wilks

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Bookings

How do I book a trip for my school?

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Either by calling or emailing the education team:

  • 01992 707 320
  • [email protected]

You will need to provide the following information:

  • Which course you require
  • The year group of the students
  • The amount of students you will be bringing
  • A list of dates in preferential order

Published: 1st May, 2018

Updated: 2nd May, 2018

Author: Jordan Wilks

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Learning Progress

How will the learning progress be assessed during the programme?

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Whilst the teaching team here will assume responsibility for the session, and will tailor their sessions according to the needs of each individual group of learners, we hope that the school staff will use the opportunity to evaluate and observe the learner's progress during each of the activities.

Published: 5th July, 2018

Author: Emily Cross

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Published: 19th July, 2019

Updated: 29th January, 2020

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Coronavirus Survival Appeal The Royal Gunpowder Mills is closed until further notice and as a result, we have lost our essential visitor incomes and face a serious funding gap. Please donate to help continue our Charity’s work. Read more

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Contact us

Royal Gunpowder Mills,
Beaulieu Drive,
Waltham Abbey,
Essex, EN9 1JY
United Kingdom

[email protected]
01992 707370

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Royal Gunpowder Mills is a charity registered in England and Wales (No. 1062968).